HERMES, ORIGINAL MUSIC FOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
HERMES, ORIGINAL MUSIC FOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
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Date
2004-11-24
Authors
Vazquez Rodriguez, Octavio
Advisor
Wilson, Mark E.
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Abstract
"Hermes" is a one-movement orchestral piece, lasting approximately 18 minutes. Originally commissioned by the "Real Filharmonia de Galicia", the orchestration is limited to 2.2.2.2, 2.2.0.0, 2 timpani and strings (10.8.7.6.3); violins are divided in three sections (6.6.6) throughout the piece. Formally, it incorporates elements of prelude and fugue, theme and variations, and sonata. It is structured in three main sections: Introduction (mm. 1-51), Fugue-central section (mm. 52-407), and Coda (mm. 408-523). The fugue subject undergoes successive variations and developmental procedures. Scherzo- and finale-character sections, as well as the recapitulation of the Introduction in mm. 372, can be analyzed from an expanded sonata-form perspective. Although tempo and meters change dramatically over time, the basic beat ( in its two manifestations: 64 / 96 MM., a 2/3 equivalence ) remains constant. All thematic material, both melodic and harmonic, originates from a 5-note chord (first spelled Ab-C-D#-E-G), with punctual exceptions where "quotations" (real or imaginary) are heard. The Introduction presents briefly and austerely the complete material and plan for the piece; the Fugue carries the weight of the structure, supported by two tutti's at both ends of the section, while at the same time develops the material within a certain consistent emotional plane; the Coda, even though it uses exclusively the same material, does so in another, differentiated plane, bringing closure in a realm that transcends the former one.